Current Affairs

Ageism and On the Spot Fines

From 1st October 2006 in the UK it will be against the law to discriminate against people due to their age. The government feel that too many people of a certain age do not have the rights that people of a younger age have, and of course visa-versa.
But why change something that hasn't really been that much of a problem in the past? I have to say that as I am 40, and am caught in the middle really, neither too young or too old, but what is going to happen when this law comes in?

I think there is going to be chaos, and lots and lots of litigation against companies for wrongful dismissal, not employing people etc.

Here is why...

Imagine if you will a company decides that they want to have an experienced employee to fill a vacancy for a job, and ad for the job could under the old system read something like this.

"Experienced Engineer required to fill the position of Field Service engineer, must have a minimum of 5 years working in the electronics field, have clean driving license, and be well presented. Ex forces engineers will be looked upon favourably, please send CV including date of birth to..."

Now under the new rules, the company posting this advert could be in trouble, as it states minimum employment period, date of birth, and ex-forces. Which basically means they want someone in there late 20's early 30's.
But it isn't just these sort of ads that are going to get people into trouble. If you club together and buy a birthday card for someone in the company that is of an age, and someone signs the card, "How many candles you Old Git!". If objected to by the receiver of the card, not only can the writer of the card be done, but so can the company!

What about sacking people? They could claim it is because they are too young/old. Then there is experience, I mean how do you get experience? By been in the job a long time, so all these graduates will have a case when they complain that they are been discriminated against as they are not been given the opportunity to prove themselves.

What of the, shall we say more mature lady, that fancies herself as a pole dancer??? No don't laugh, she could also have a claim.

Like I said CHAOS!!!!! So I await with bated breath to what will happen in the next few days, the nanny state gone mad, or a good policy by this ridiculous government?

Speaking of which, there has been a leak to the Times newspaper, that has said this government want to introduce On the Spot fines of £100 ($175) for petty crime. But on the list they include Mugging and Robbery and Obstructing Police?? WHAT!!! I can REALLY see a mugger saying to a policeman, "It's a fair cop, here's the money".
Or take it the other way, a policeman fining someone perfectly innocent £100 because they couldn't get their car out of the way quick enough!

Who is going to administer the fines? Who is going to control them? What constitutes an On the Spot Fine? What if the person refuses to pay? Oh yes Mr Blair/Brown, a really well thought out idea.
But here is thclucksux, the reason why they are thinking of doing it is to clear up the overworked court system!

Well a little word of advice and perhaps an idea that might work a little bit better, why not spend a little bit more money in the courts area, cut all the bloodbureaucraticic red tape, and then you wouldn't have such a problem, and therefore not have to bring in such stupid pointless laws!

Or is it just another way to get money for the taxman???

Watch this space.